try to avoid disturbing your family back home

[mrphil]

When authorized for civilian use, this will be the device to have...apple and oranges.

https://www.acrartex.com/products/sarlink-plb

https://ecfsapi.fcc.gov/file/60001043700.pdf

[bobby49]

When authorized for civilian use, this will be the device to have...apple and oranges.

https://www.acrartex.com/products/sarlink-plb

https://ecfsapi.fcc.gov/file/60001043700.pdf

First of all, that is old news. Garmin has had that product for a time now.

[mrphil]

First of all, that is old news. Garmin has had that product for a time now.

And second of all?

You sound rather annoyed, Bob. Is there a bigger issue here that I'm missing?

I'm referring to an ACR product (my preference) as opposed to a Garmin (please refer me to the comparable dual-mode model you're talking about), and while it was first introduced in 2016, this dual-mode model, SKU : 2894.1, 2894.2, 2894.3, & 2894.4, does not yet have FCC approval for civilian use and is available to military and govt only. I'm also wondering what would allow approval of a similar device from one manufacturer and not another if it's similar technology that uses both the 406MHz of the Cospas-Sarsat system, as well as Iridium's 1616-1626.5 MHz? If you have some insight into this that I've also failed to grasp, please feel free to educate me in the specifics. I am sincerely interested.

From ACR's FAQs on the product:

"What is the availability of the SARLink?"

"Sales of this product is limited to the U.S. Military and Government entities. This device has not been authorized for commercial sale and use as required by the rules of the FCC. This device is not, and may not be offered for sale or lease, or sold or leased, unless specific written authorization is obtained."

Again: https://www.acrartex.com/products/sarlink-plb

[rightstar76]

It's probably a good thing these products are not for sale to the public. There's only so much resources that can be devoted to search and rescue. The more devices that are out there and the more options they have mean more chances that people will misuse them or be misunderstood by people back home. Sometimes I think rather than everyone having a PLB or two-way device, hikers should instead be given a pamphlet about injury prevention and common sense decision making in the outdoors. That might prevent more accidents and reduce the number of requests for search and rescue. I've read about people being saved by PLBs who got into trouble because they overextended themselves due to the overconfidence they got from carrying one. Sort of defeats the purpose.

[bobby49]

"Sales of this product is limited to the U.S. Military and Government entities. This device has not been authorized for commercial sale and use as required by the rules of the FCC. This device is not, and may not be offered for sale or lease, or sold or leased, unless specific written authorization is obtained."

That statement should deliver a clear message. Forget about it.

Different satellites operate at different orbital altitudes, and some are geosynchronous. Some are non-geosynchronous. As a result, they operate at different frequencies. As a result of the different frequencies and different altitudes (distances up), the various devices have to use different transmit powers and different modulation techniques. So, an individual probably does not want to have one device that does it all and still have the device be affordable, lightweight, etc.

This thread was originally intended to explain the advantages of a two-way device as opposed to a one-way device.

[rlown]

Does anyone know if you can use the inreach SOS feature to have a dog rescued?

Just considering having to carry out a 75lb dog vs. a lift.

[AlmostThere]

Does anyone know if you can use the inreach SOS feature to have a dog rescued?

Just considering having to carry out a 75lb dog vs. a lift.

A jacket with a pair of hiking poles through the sleeves makes a dog sized travois....

[rlown]

not a really good answer, but an answer I guess. You do that for 10 miles over puppet pass and get back to me.

[AlmostThere]

not a really good answer, but an answer I guess. You do that for 10 miles over puppet pass and get back to me.

LOL, naw. My dog is only going on very short trips these days. I don't think she has a pass left in her.

[rlown]

I decided I will press the button for a member of my family. He deserves equal treatment. And He has insurance.